Disclaimer: I don't own Everwood or any of the characters. This story is the only thing that's mine. Distributor: Please let me know, and don't until I give you the okay. Pairings: Ephram/Amy

Rating: PG-13, just to be on the safe side

This starts at the end of their senior year. Please Review!!!

Chapter 5-New York, New York

Five Years Later.

Amy Abbott opened the last drawer in her dresser. It was filled with her socks and ballet shoes. She tucked them into her bag and started to close the drawer, but she noticed a letter she hadn't touched in years. She sat back on her heels as she opened the envelope with Ephram's all too familiar handwriting.

Dear Amy,

I don't know how to explain this to you, but I was recruited by the New York City Ballet. I really wanted to stay for you, and be near you, but I can't. If you need me, call anytime. . Amy, you are an amazing ballet dancer. Never give ballet up. You should dance at the Denver Ballet, and save your money. I know how much it would have meant to you to be able to go to Juilliard next year, but you don't have the money, and I can't give it to you. When you have enough money, you'll have a place there. I know you will. Maybe I'll see you in New York someday, when you're going to school there. . Amy, Reach for the Stars. When you get there, I'll be waiting.

Love, Ephram

Amy's eyes filled with tears. It had been 5 years since Ephram disappeared, 5 years since she had last spoken with him. Amy tried to imagine what he was doing. Maybe he was still in New York, playing for the ballet.

"Yeah right. You're kidding yourself. He's probably married with kids by now, living in the suburbs."

"Amy, who are you talking to?" Amy turned towards the door.

"Bright? How'd you get into my apartment?"

"Key. You really need to find another hiding spot for it. In New York, somebody will find that easy."

"Bright, you know I'm really busy right now. If you're just going to bother me and get in the way, you can go ahead and leave."

"Relax Amy. I just wanted to see you off, give you a hand if you need. And remind you to stay away from that creep Ephram if you see him. He's bad news. He broke your heart Amy."

"Shut up! I don't need you to baby-sit me." Bright almost looked a little upset but he turned and walked out quietly, shutting the door behind him. Amy bit her lip. Ephram had broken her heart, but she had moved on, sort of. She worked at the Denver Ballet and recently she had been offered a higher paying job in New York, with the city's ballet. She hoped that the extra money would help her pay to get into Juilliard. Amy glanced at the box and pulled out her journal and pen.

Dear Diary,

Truthfully, I think the only reason I kept saving money for Juilliard is because of Ephram. I know I said I was over him along time ago, but today I found the letter. I'm going to find Ephram, no matter how long it takes. I can only hope he's still open to me. Ephram told me, Reach for the stars. When you get there, I'll be waiting. I'm leaving for New York today, in a few hours. I'll get settled in and then ask around after my first practice (tomorrow). Amy rubbed her eyes and looked out the window. Below, she could see the airport.

"Are you visiting New York?" Amy jerked and turned to the person beside her. It was a young woman who looked about her age, with brown hair and green eyes.

"I'm moving there. You?"

"I'm from New York. I moved away last year and my best friend plays the piano for the New York City Ballet. He actually, with the help of the director, he put together an entire performance. I'm here to see it, and visit my fiancée." Amy's heart jumped. The piano player couldn't be Ephram. Why would he be a best friend with this woman?

"Is the piano player your fiancee?"

"Oh, no. So why, if you don't mind my asking, why are you moving to New York?"

"I don't mind, I'm a ballet dancer and I just took a job with the New York City Ballet."

"Cool." Amy nodded and then a flight attendant came by.

"Miss, we're landing. Please buckle your seat belt." Amy grabbed the metal belt and latched it.

"I'm sorry, I didn't introduce myself. I'm Amy Abbott."

"I'm Kerry Smith." Kerry shook Amy's hand, but a weird look came into her eyes. Amy tilted her head curiously, but the look left her face. Maybe she had just imagined it.

"Would you like me to show you around? I know what it's like when you first come to New York."

"I couldn't take up your time."

"No, no problem. I won't be seeing my fiancee until tonight, I have all day. I can help you get settled and then show you the city." Amy smiled. It was nice to have made an ally before she even go to the city. She had to admit that she was a little nervous. "Wow, you have been so much help today! I can't thank you enough. Can I have your phone number? We should get together sometime, have coffee or something."

"Sure. Here's my number and email address," she said, scribbling something down on a piece of paper. "I'll be at the practice tomorrow, to see my friend and chat with him. We're going to dinner after, why don't you come?"

"I don't want to intrude."

"It's okay. My boyfriend's going to be there too. My friend, you might like him. He's your type." Amy had to laugh. After spending the day with Kerry, she already like her a lot. She had admitted she didn't have a boyfriend. What the heck, having dinner with a guy wouldn't be disloyal. What was she talking about? She and Ephram weren't together.

"That sounds good then." Kerry grabbed her coat and walked out of Amy's apartment.

"Oh, Amy?"

"Yeah?"

"You should really get a better lock for your door."

TBC. Please Review!